ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Tamilnadu Postal Circle conducts a Circle level ‘DAK ADALAT’ on 10th March 2022
Tamilnadu Postal Circle, Department of Posts, India will conduct a Circle level ‘DAK ADALAT’ on 10.03.2022  at 1100 hours in Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Circle, Anna Salai, Chennai – 600 002.
Chief Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai – 600 002 and Chairperson of Circle Dak Adalat will hear the grievances of Customers of Postal Department personally and redress their grievances. Customers may send their grievances on Postal Services to Smt. M. Vijayalakshmi, Assistant Director , O/o the Chief Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai – 600 002 on or before 04.03.2022. Customers can also send their grievances through email to pg.tn@indiapost.gov.in with the caption DAK ADALAT.
The grievances relating to postal services like delay in transmission of mails, Speed Post articles, Parcels, Money Orders, Savings Bank, Cash Certificates and counter services will be covered.
The grievances regarding disposal of MO / Registered / Speed / VP / Insured articles booked by the customers should contain full details such as, article number, date and office of booking, full address of sender and the addressee. If the grievance is about the Savings Scheme or Postal Life insurance, Account Number, PLI Policy Number, Name and address of the Depositor / Insurant, Name of the Post office, the details of the recovery and any other reference of the Postal Department, if available, should be furnished, according to a press release issued by Chief Postmaster General. Tamilnadu Circle.
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Effect of Climate Change on Agriculture
Climate change is perceptible through a rise in all India mean temperature and increased frequency of extreme rainfall events in the last three decades. This causes fluctuation in production of major crops in different years.
Impact of climate change on Indian agriculture was studied under National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture . Rainfed rice yields in India are projected to reduce marginally  in 2050 and 2080 and irrigated rice yields by 7% in 2050 and 10% in 2080 scenarios. Further, wheat yield projected to reduce by 6-25% in 2100 and maize yields by 18-23%. Future climates are likely to benefit chickpea with increase in productivity .
Indian Council of Agricultural Research  has initiated a network project NICRA during 2011 to address the impact of climate change on Indian agriculture. NICRA project is being reviewed by a High Level Monitoring Committee  under the Chairmanship of Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR with invited members representing different Ministries, Government of India. This committee recommends measures to be taken through NICRA for making Indian agriculture more resilient to changing climate. Besides an expert committee periodically review the project and advise on various aspects.
Vulnerability assessment of Indian Agriculture to climate change is undertaken by Indian Council of Agricultural Research . Such an assessment was for 573 rural districts of India . Based on the vulnerability analysis, 109 districts out of 573 rural districts  are ‘very high-risk’ districts, while 201 districts are risk districts. The details are available at
http://www.nicra-icar.in/nicrarevised/images/publications/Risk%20&%20vulnerability%20assessment%20of%20Indian%20agriculture%20to%20climate%20change.pdf)
Integrated simulation modelling studies indicated that under Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5, maximum temperature is expected to increase by 1 to 1.3oC in 256 districts, by 1.3 to 1.6 oC in 157 districts . The increase ranged from <1.3 oC in 199 districts to >1.6 oC in 89 districts. Cultivation of wheat in these districts is likely to be affected by heat stress.
Under NICRA project, wheat germplasm comprising of advanced breeding lines and land races have been screened for heat/drought tolerance. ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute  has released the high yielding varieties such as HD 2967 and HD 3086 which are being grown in large areas of North-west and North India. Zero till planting of wheat has advanced the wheat sowing in Punjab and Haryana.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat Package for allocation of foodgrains to the migrants / stranded migrants
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its ex-post facto approval for allocation of foodgrains from Central Pool to approximately 8 crore migrants / stranded migrants @ 5 kg per person per month  for two months free of cost.
It would entail an estimated food subsidy of about Rs.2,982.27 crore. Further the expenditure towards intra-state transportation and handling charges and dealer’s margin / additional dealer margin will account for about 127.25 crore which will borne fully by Central Government. Accordingly, the total subsidy from the Government of India is estimated at about of Rs.3,109.52 crore.
The allocation will ease the hardships faced by migrant / stranded migrants due to economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with President of USA
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is on Official State Visit to USA. He visited the White House today morning, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome by H.E. Mr. Joseph Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Thousands of Indian-Americans were also present at the occasion to welcome the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister, thereafter, had productive conversations with President Biden, in restricted and delegation-level formats. The leaders highlighted the long-standing friendship and growing cooperation between the two countries, which spans areas like trade and investment, defence and security, energy, climate change, and people-to-people ties.
Both leaders underscored the mutual trust and understanding, as well as the shared values between the two countries, which provide a strong foundation to take the relationship to new levels. They appreciated the rapid progress made through initiatives such as the Critical and Emerging Technologies and the keen desire to elevate strategic technology collaborations to build resilient supply chains. They welcomed the deepening cooperation in critical minerals and space sectors.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to combating climate change and achieving a sustainable future. They discussed ways to promote clean and renewable energy and collaborate on climate initiatives.
Both leaders expressed their determination to further deepen the multifaceted Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and USA for the benefit of their peoples and the global community. Discussions also covered regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by President Biden and the First Lady. He looked forward to welcoming President Biden in New Delhi for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023.
Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
Madhya Pradesh to be declared ODF by October this year: CM
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that the State will be declared as open defecation free  by Gandhi Jayanti this year. This will mean that the State will become ODF one year before the national timeline of October 2nd, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The announcement was made at a public ceremony at Bhopal, which was also attended by Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, State Ministers, Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri ParameswaranIyer, and other senior officials.
Addressing more than 5000 people who came from various parts of the State, the Chief Minister also spoke about how the Swachh Bharat Mission  has become a jan andolan – a people’s movement – in the State. He went on to emphasize the role of people’s participation in making a sanitation movement like this successful, and said that he looked forward to the continued support of the people of the State in achieving as well as sustaining ODF status in the State.
In her address to the gathering, the Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti shared that the national sanitation coverage has risen to over 83%, a more than double increase from the baseline coverage of 39% at the time of the launch of the Mission in October,2014. She underlined that Swachh Bharat is ultimately a movement for the people, by the people and of the people and that is what has made it a true jan andolan.
She shared that over 3.7 lakh villages, 383 districts and 17 States/UTs of the country have already been declared ODF, and stressed upon the need to also start focusing on ODF-plus activities as well. To this end, the GOBAR-dhan scheme was also launched in Madhya Pradesh at the event.
Announced in the Union budget this year, the scheme aims at positively impacting village cleanliness and generating wealth and energy from cattle and organic waste. The first among such projects in Madhya Pradesh will be implemented in Kodsa village in Narsingpur District and Chiruli village in Gwalior District.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri ParameswaranIyerlauded the role played by Swachhagrahis, the foot soldiers of the Swachh Bharat Mission  in the progress made across the country. He called upon them to keep behavior change at the focal point of their activities at the grassroots and sustain their efforts even after the State is declared ODF.
Swachhagrahis, people’s representatives and grassroots officials associated with the implementation of Swachh Bharat in the State were also felicitated along with the launch. These State level awards were given for the exemplary work done in the areas of toilet construction, geo-tagging, conversion of dysfunctional toilets, behaviour change and sustainability.
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Special Service and Features
Five Days Capacity Building Programme of National Mission on Libraries has started
Five days Capacity Building Programme of National Mission on Libraries  for Public Library Personnel under Ministry of Culture, Government of India has started today in the Pondicherry University , Puducherry. Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the university inaugurated the said programme. On his speech, Prof. Singh mentioned the importance of books and the usefulness of libraries to inculcate reading habits among the citizen. He quoted the Gandhian words that the real progress of the nation should be from the village regards the initiatives establishing a library in each panchayat village. He added that public libraries should be updated using modern ICTs. He thanked Ministry of Culture for organizing such training programme in Puducherry and wished to collaborate in future programmes.
Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh, Director General, RRRLF and Additional Mission Director, NML mentioned the nationwide activities of NML and RRRLF in respect of establishment of model libraries, proving quality library services to the poor, deprived and underprivileged community. He mentioned that according to the announcement in the last union budget, Government of India has allocated Rs.5000 crore to establish libraries in village panchayat levels and RRRLF is trying to ensure all kinds of need based educational support to the local community. He also added that corporate houses and Public Sector Undertakings  are being approached to invest under CSR head for upliftment and betterment of library services. He emphasized the concept of “drawing room” libraries instead of traditional libraries to increase the footfall in the libraries.
Dr. M. Vijaykumar, University Librarian explained the importance of the Capacity Building Programme for public library professionals and welcomed all the guests and participants from Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Karnataka, Puducherry, Tamilnadu and Kerala for attending the programme.
Among the other dignitaries, Shri Dipanjan Chatterjee, Project Officer, NML, Controller of Examination, Pondicherry University, Director, HRDC, Pondicherry University, School of Deans, Head of the Departments, teaching faculty, administrative officers and library team were present.
62 library professionals will be trained in this training programme in respect of the management of libraries, use of modern ICT skills, library automation, use of social media, soft and interpersonal skills, preservation and conservation techniques etc. The programme will continue till 16th June, 2023.
Dr. M. Baskar, Senior Assistant Librarian, Central Library, Pondicherry University proposed the vote of tthanks.
Prime Minister's Office
PM grieves over the passing away of Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing away of Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said, "I am saddened beyond words. There is a void in our nation that will perhaps never be filled. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji’s demise is a personal loss. I have lost a friend, valued colleague and someone who was extremely passionate to ensure every poor person leads a life of dignity.
Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji rose in politics through hardwork and determination. As a young leader, he resisted tyranny and the assault on our democracy during the Emergency. He was an outstanding Parliamentarian and Minister, making lasting contributions in several policy areas.
Working together, shoulder to shoulder with Paswan Ji has been an incredible experience. His interventions during Cabinet Meetings were insightful. From political wisdom, statesmanship to governance issues, he was brilliant. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Education
Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ addresses the 33rd Convocation of IGNOU today
HRD Minister lauds IGNOU for launching large number of new currently relevant academic programmes
Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ addressed the 33rd Convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi today. The University conferred more than 200,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates in the Convocation to the successful students in their respective programmes. Gold medals were also awarded to over 50 meritorious students in the Convocation.
In his convocation address, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ while congratulating the successful students, who have attained distinctions and Gold medals, said that the achievements earned by you is due to the blessings of your teachers, and your parents, who guided and facilitated you to attain such noteworthy distinctions. He also applauded IGNOU for having unprecedented expertise in developing and launching academic programmes that are needed in the present context and very useful for learning communities. He also made a mention of the skill oriented curriculum weaved around a conducive environment for learners by the university.
Stressing upon the need to develop courses in Indian languages for wider reach, Shri Nishank stressed upon further development of Hindi and Sanskrit in the Universities but recognition of Hindi as the National Language alone is not enough. Union Minister lauded the IGNOU for launching large number of new academic programmes covering wide range of disciplines, which are relevant in current times.
Shri Nishank also lauded the role played by IGNOU to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio , which cannot be achieved alone by the conventional system of education. He urged the university to introduce programmes which are employment-centric and help in employment generation.
Highlighting the growth of fresh students in July, 2019 and on-going January, 2020 admissions cycles Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. Nageshwar Rao said that the volume of admission clearly speaks about the contribution of IGNOU in improving GER in higher education in tune with Govt. of India’s target to achieve 30% GER in higher education. Prof Rao further informed that the university has introduced 26 new academic programmes including three graduate degree , nine graduate honours programmes under CBCS and three Online programmes in last two admission cycles to meet diversified needs in the disciplines of health sciences, vocational areas, tourism, environment change, yoga, development study etc..
The Convocation function was conducted simultaneously at 39 Regional canters of the University across the country while the main function was held at the University headquarters.
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
G20 Seminar on Trade and Technology, 2nd Trade and Investment Working Group, Bengaluru
After the successful completion of the 1st Trade and Investment Working Group  Meeting in Mumbai, 2nd TIWG under India’s G20 Presidency is scheduled at Bengaluru from 23rd -25th May, 2023. During the three-day meeting, nearly 75 delegates from G20 countries, invitee countries, and regional and international organizations will participate in deliberations on finding agreed solutions on issues related to international trade and investment.
On the first day, a seminar is being organized which will discuss the disruptive role of technology in driving inclusive growth and resilient trade. The seminar will be inaugurated by Shri Som Parkash, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. He will give the keynote address. The inaugural address will be given by Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India.
During the Seminar, nearly 200 delegates from G20 member, invitee countries, international organizations, and representatives from the technology sector and business community will engage in deliberations on the issues which are at the intersection of trade and technology.
The Seminar will feature two panel discussions. The first one is on how technology is reshaping trade. It will be moderated by Mr. Saurabh Chandra, Managing Director, Boston Consulting Group. The panellists for this session are: Mr. Alok Nanda, CTO, GE South Asia and CEO GE India Technology Centre, Mr. Eske Bo Knudsen Rosenberg, Consul General & Head of Trade and Innovation Centre, Denmark, Mr. Patrick Peisker, Indian Leader & Head of R&D, Mitel, Mr. Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman & MD, Cognizant Technologies India, Mr. Warren Harris, CEO & MD, Tata Technologies.
The Second Panel Discussion is titled ttransformative tools for revolutionizing manufacturing and trade. This session will be moderated by Mr. Stefan Halusa, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. The panel members are: Ms. Anandi Iyer, Director at Fraunhofer India & Chair, G20 Empower Working Group on STEM, Ms. Arti Singh, Chief Information Officer, Boeing India, Dr. Rene Van Berkel, Head Representative, UNIDO, India, Mr.Poul V Jensen, Managing Director, European Business & Technology Centre.
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of ‘3.96% GS 2022’, ‘5.15% GS 2025’, ‘5.85% GS 2030’ and ‘6.80% GS 2060’
Government of India  has announced the Sale  of  ‘3.96% Government Security, 2022’ for a notified amount of Rs2,000 crore  through pricebased auction,  ‘5.15% Government Security, 2025’ for a notified amount ofRs11,000 crore  through pricebased auction, ‘5.85% Government Security, 2030’ for a notified amount of Rs8,000 crore  throughpricebased auction,and ‘6.80%Government Security, 2060’ for a notified amount of Rs6,000 crore  through pricebased auction. GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs2,000 crore against each of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on January 08, 2021  using multiple price method.
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the Securitieswill be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system onJanuary 08, 2021. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between10.30 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on January 08, 2021  and payment by successful bidders will be on January 11, 2021 .
The Securities will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Ministry of Finance
New Principal Accountant General  for West Bengal
Kolkata, March 18, 2019
Smt Sayantani Jafa, belonging to the 1991 batch of Indian Audit & Accounts Service has assumed the charge of the Principal Accountant General , West Bengal with effect from January 29, 2019. Before this assignment, she was Principal Accountant , Maharashtra. She has also worked in various senior managerial positions of the Institution of C&AG of India including Director General of Audit, Eastern Railway, Kolkata and Accountant General , Maharashtra.
From now onwards, she will be handling Constitutional responsibility of audit of expenditure incurred by the Government of West Bengal and its Public Sector Undertakings and autonomous bodies under the General and Social Sector and also audit of Annual Accounts  of the State Government compiled by the office of the Pr AG , West Bengal and certification thereof with other assignments.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Guidelines for Usage of Artificial Sweetners
Indian Council of Medical Research  has informed that assessment of the health impacts of the non-sugar sweetener aspartame conducted by International Agency for Research on Cancer  as well as World Health Organization - Food and Agriculture Organization  Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives  cite “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans. However, IARC has classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic‟ to humans  and JECFA accordingly has reaffirmed that the acceptable daily intake should be 40 mg/kg body weight.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India  has already laid down the standards for various artificial sweeteners in the Food Safety and Standards  Regulation, 2011. These standards for non-caloric sweeteners and limits for use of such non-caloric sweeteners in various food products have been laid down on the basis of risk assessment and Acceptable Daily Intake  established by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives  and the limits are in harmonization with Codex Alimentarius Commission.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S.P. Baghel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.